In 2025, the sedan market continues to defy the SUV craze by offering impressive comfort, refinement, and value for money.
While the crossover trend remains strong, many U.S. drivers still appreciate the lower stance, better fuel economy, and smoother driving dynamics of a traditional sedan.
Fortunately, manufacturers haven’t forgotten about the comfort factor either even affordable models now come with advanced suspension setups, premium interior materials, and noise-canceling technology.
For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a plush, relaxing ride without breaking the bank, the following twelve sedans represent the best options available this year.
1. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has long been a benchmark for comfort and reliability, and the 2025 model carries that tradition forward with subtle refinements. It features a hybrid-only lineup this year, delivering both quiet operation and fuel savings.
The redesigned suspension balances softness with precise steering response, while the cabin is outfitted with supportive seats, excellent sound insulation, and high-quality materials that rival some luxury cars.
Toyota’s commitment to comfort shines especially on long highway drives, where the Camry’s serene composure sets it apart from rivals.
2. Honda Accord
The 2025 Honda Accord continues to impress as a midsize sedan that effortlessly blends sophistication and comfort.
Its hybrid powertrain makes for a smoother and quieter ride, while the adaptive dampers absorb bumps without the floatiness often found in softer suspensions.
The cabin’s design focuses on ergonomics, with firm yet plush seats, low road noise, and premium finishes. Even base trims feel upscale, making the Accord one of the most balanced sedans for daily commuting and cross-country trips alike.
The Accord received a full redesign in 2023, featuring improved architecture, a more powerful hybrid powertrain, a refined gasoline engine, and updated technology. The 2024 version carried over with minimal updates, and for 2025, the Accord gains the following revisions:
Although the midsize sedan segment has thinned out in recent years, the Accord continues to lead the class, though it’s not quite as commanding as before. Both powertrains provide smooth and confident acceleration, but during testing, the turbo-four paired with a CVT felt a bit sluggish.
Steering feedback could be sharper, yet the brakes deliver strong assurance, and overall handling remains neutral and composed. Ride comfort is exceptional on smaller wheels, though there’s slightly more wind and road noise compared to some of its competitors.
We appreciate the Accord’s stylish and well-organized cabin, which draws inspiration from the latest Civic’s design language without simply copying it. However, the base touchscreen feels undersized, and some lower-trim materials, such as the seat upholstery and door panels, feel a bit coarse.
The only way to access the most premium interior setup is by opting for a hybrid model, though all versions come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Accord remains a smart, comfortable, and capable midsize sedan, pleasant overall, but the previous generation performed marginally better and delivered slightly improved fuel efficiency.
Since the current Accord was introduced only a few years ago, its powertrain lineup carries forward into 2025. The LX and SE trims feature Honda’s 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT automatic transmission. This setup achieves an estimated 29/37 mpg city/highway. All 2025 Accords continue to be front-wheel drive.
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3. Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai’s 2025 Sonata is one of the most value-packed sedans on the market. It brings a combination of modern design, a roomy interior, and a suspension tuned specifically for comfort.
Hyundai’s engineers have refined the chassis to minimize vibrations, and the seats provide excellent lumbar support for long drives.
Inside, soft-touch materials and an intuitive infotainment system add to the upscale experience. For under $30,000, it feels remarkably close to a luxury car in terms of ride quality and refinement.
4. Kia K5
Sharing its platform with the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia K5 delivers an equally plush ride with a sportier personality.
The 2025 model remains one of the best sedans for comfort under $30,000, offering a hushed cabin, well-padded seats, and suspension tuning that soaks up rough pavement with ease.
Kia’s attention to design extends inside, where ambient lighting and high-grade materials elevate the atmosphere. For those who want comfort with a hint of style and tech flair, the K5 is a standout.
The midsize sedan once known as the Kia Optima has evolved into the K5. Introduced in 2021, the K5 immediately drew attention in the segment thanks to its striking exterior design. Despite its bold looks, it remains a fairly conventional vehicle when it comes to features and overall practicality.
The K5 offers a selection of turbocharged engines and available all-wheel drive, targeting established midsize sedan competitors such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Sonata. Production for the K5 takes place in West Point, Georgia, alongside the Kia Telluride.
For the most part, yes. In GT trim, the K5 handles with commendable agility, and the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four delivers plenty of punch. However, the firmer suspension means ride comfort takes a slight hit. In contrast, lower trims like the EX feature less engaging steering, and the base 1.6-liter turbo engine feels somewhat underwhelming.
From a functionality standpoint, the K5 holds its own as a midsize sedan. The front seats offer generous space, though rear legroom trails a few rivals. Inside, the design and technology are impressive, even if some of the materials don’t quite match the premium feel of its competitors.
While it doesn’t reinvent the midsize sedan formula, the K5 represents a significant upgrade over the outgoing Optima. It’s a well-rounded option that injects much-needed style and personality into a traditionally conservative segment.
All K5 models come powered by a turbocharged inline-four engine. The base setup is a 1.6-liter unit that produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With standard front-wheel drive, the K5 achieves a 0–60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Fuel economy varies slightly by trim, ranging from 27–29 mpg in the city and 37–38 mpg on the highway.
5. Nissan Altima
Nissan’s 2025 Altima continues to offer the kind of relaxed, cushiony ride that many American drivers appreciate.
The Zero Gravity seats, a Nissan signature, are among the most comfortable in the segment, and the suspension remains soft enough to handle cracked roads and expansion joints with ease.
Though it may not be the most exciting sedan to drive, its comfort-first approach and quiet interior make it ideal for commuters who value serenity and simplicity over sportiness.
6. Subaru Legacy
For drivers in regions with harsh weather, the 2025 Subaru Legacy combines standard all-wheel drive with a surprisingly smooth and compliant ride.
Subaru’s engineers have prioritized isolation and comfort, with an updated suspension system and a cabin designed to block out wind and road noise.
The interior feels airy and premium for the price point, while the seats offer generous cushioning and support. The Legacy is perfect for those who want year-round traction without compromising ride comfort.
The 2025 Subaru Legacy sedan shares its foundation with the popular Outback station wagon, though you wouldn’t immediately notice it. Over time, the two models have taken distinct paths in both design and purpose.
Beneath the surface, however, they remain closely related, offering the same horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines, a 182-hp naturally aspirated version and a 260-hp turbocharged variant, both paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and Subaru’s signature standard all-wheel-drive system.
The key differences between the Legacy and the Outback lie in body style, ground clearance, and character. While the Outback projects a rugged, outdoors-oriented image with its elevated stance, SUV-style cladding, and roof rails, the Legacy maintains a more traditional, sedan-like appearance.
It delivers a comfortable ride, confident handling, and a generous list of infotainment and driver-assistance technologies. Still, it lacks the refined sportiness found in rivals like the Honda Accord and can’t quite match the fuel efficiency of competitors such as the new 2025 Toyota Camry and the updated Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
The Legacy’s base engine is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower. The Sport and Touring XT trims upgrade to a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 260 horsepower.
Every Legacy features standard all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Regardless of engine choice, the Legacy provides a smooth ride and stable handling, offering composure and confidence in daily driving.
However, it lacks the engaging driving dynamics of rivals such as the Honda Accord and Kia K5, which offer a more entertaining experience behind the wheel.
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7. Mazda3 Sedan
The Mazda3 has built a reputation for being one of the most refined compact sedans on the market. While it’s known for its sporty handling, the 2025 model also delivers excellent comfort thanks to its well-damped suspension and premium-grade cabin materials.
Mazda’s attention to detail is clear in the seat ergonomics and interior quietness areas that rival entry-level luxury models. For under $28,000, it’s a rare compact that provides both driving enjoyment and long-distance relaxation.
After four years on the market, the Mazda 3 Sedan is no longer a newcomer, but it has aged gracefully thanks to Mazda USA’s consistent annual updates. It continues to be an exceptional compact sedan that competes closely with segment favorites like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra.
Unfortunately, despite its many strengths, its sales figures don’t reflect its quality. That makes revisiting the Mazda 3 a pleasure, reminding drivers of its precise handling, refined character, and upscale interior. Furthermore, the sedan consistently earns top scores in safety evaluations.
This year, Mazda has made some small but meaningful adjustments, including range reshuffling and dropping the underpowered 2.0-liter engine. The standard powerplant is now a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower, offering solid performance across the lineup.
Enthusiasts seeking more excitement can opt for the 250-hp turbocharged version, though it’s reserved for the top-tier trim. The sedan, unlike the hatchback, doesn’t offer a manual transmission, a sign of the times.
The 2023 Mazda 3 Sedan lineup starts at $22,550 for the 2.5 S base model. The 2.5 S Select follows at $23,950, the 2.5 S Preferred at $25,550, and the 2.5 S Carbon Edition at $27,200. The 2.5 S Premium sits at $29,400, all featuring the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. At the top of the range is the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, priced at $34,000.
Most trims come with front-wheel drive, though the 2.5 S Carbon Edition offers optional all-wheel drive for an additional $1,400. The 2.5 S Premium and Turbo Premium Plus are AWD-only. All prices exclude Mazda’s $1,165 destination fee.
Few compact sedans deliver as much driving enjoyment as the Mazda 3 Sedan. It offers tight body control, minimal body roll, and a willingness to change direction that makes it feel nimble, even if the electric steering lacks some feedback. The suspension is firm but expertly tuned, maintaining an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness.
While larger bumps can be felt, the ride remains composed overall. Performance is respectable, thanks to the discontinuation of the weaker 2.0-liter engine, even the slowest model now reaches 60 mph in around eight seconds. The turbocharged variant cuts that time by about two seconds, though it’s exclusive to the highest trim.
The six-speed automatic transmission may seem dated compared to rivals with more gears, but it shifts smoothly and responsively. Cabin noise is well controlled, giving the 3 a polished, near-luxury feel. The availability of all-wheel drive, rare among compact sedans, adds extra traction and confidence, setting it apart from most competitors.
The 2023 Mazda 3 Sedan is an outstanding vehicle that deserves far more recognition. While it might not surpass the latest Honda Civic in every category, it outshines it in key areas such as turbocharged performance and optional AWD.
Its compact rear seat and limited trunk space are drawbacks, as is the naturally aspirated engine’s fuel economy, which trails the Civic’s efficient 1.5-liter turbo. Still, the Mazda appeals to buyers seeking something more distinctive, a car that’s fun to drive, beautifully crafted, and far more refined than its price suggests.
The 2.5 S Carbon Edition is the standout choice in the lineup. It combines sharp, blacked-out styling with the features of the Preferred trim, including heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a power moonroof.
The Carbon Edition also adds eye-catching red leather upholstery that highlights the Mazda 3’s semi-premium interior, along with a Bose premium audio system.
Best of all, it’s the only trim that lets you choose between FWD and AWD. Even with AWD and destination charges included, it remains under $30,000. While it lacks the power of the Turbo model, it delivers exceptional value and sophistication for the price.
8. Toyota Corolla
The 2025 Toyota Corolla remains one of the most accessible sedans for buyers seeking dependable comfort on a budget.
Toyota’s engineers have fine-tuned the ride quality to absorb imperfections effortlessly, and the seats provide more support than ever before.
The hybrid variant adds an extra layer of smoothness due to its electric-assisted acceleration. While compact in size, the Corolla feels composed on highways and nimble around town a testament to Toyota’s refinement at every trim level.
To be frank, the gas-only Corolla sedan reviewed here doesn’t do much to stir excitement. However, other models under the Corolla nameplate present a more compelling case. The Corolla Hybrid achieves an impressive 50 mpg while costing thousands less than a similarly equipped Honda Civic Hybrid.
The Corolla Hatchback stands out with its sportier design and the reintroduction of the eye-catching FX Edition, which was once exclusive to the sedan. For those seeking true performance, the GR Corolla, a 300-horsepower, rally-inspired hot hatch, delivers an experience worlds apart from the standard Corolla sedan.
9. Honda Civic
The 2025 Honda Civic continues to be a benchmark in the compact sedan segment. While sporty in spirit, the Civic also delivers one of the most balanced ride qualities in its class.
Its suspension setup filters out harsh impacts without losing road feel, and the cabin remains whisper-quiet during highway cruising.
The materials and build quality rival more expensive competitors, making the Civic an ideal choice for comfort-focused buyers who still want modern styling and reliable performance.
The 2026 Toyota Corolla continues its long-standing tradition of providing straightforward, dependable, and affordable transportation. Offered in both gas-only and hybrid variants, this compact sedan embodies the reliability and practicality that have defined the Corolla name for over 12 generations.
It’s designed to deliver precisely what buyers expect, ease of use, efficiency, and peace of mind. However, much like in previous years, many of its competitors go beyond the basics, offering a more engaging driving experience and higher refinement while matching or even exceeding the Corolla’s core strengths.
The Honda Civic remains one of the best alternatives to the Corolla. It offers a more spacious interior, sharper driving dynamics, and an overall sense of sophistication that elevates it above the typical compact sedan. While it comes at a higher price, the Civic justifies the premium by delivering more in nearly every category, from comfort and performance to technology and style.
10. Chevrolet Malibu
As one of the few remaining American sedans, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu proves that comfort remains a key priority for U.S. automakers.
The Malibu’s soft suspension tuning and spacious interior make it a perfect highway cruiser. Even base trims feel solidly built, while the higher trims add improved sound insulation and upgraded seat padding.
It’s not a sporty car by any stretch, but if your priorities are ride comfort, space, and a relaxed driving experience, the Malibu delivers strong value for money.
11. Volkswagen Jetta
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta brings European refinement to the budget sedan market. Its ride is smooth and composed, leaning more toward comfort than sportiness.
The interior, designed with German precision, offers well-bolstered seats and an intuitive layout. Noise insulation is particularly impressive for the segment, and the Jetta’s turbocharged engine runs quietly while delivering efficient power.
For those who appreciate subtle sophistication, the Jetta feels like a step above typical compact sedans in both comfort and quality.
As Volkswagen shifts its attention toward electrified vehicles and SUVs, the Jetta has somewhat fallen by the wayside. Thankfully, the automaker has given its compact sedan a refresh, a move that could help the Jetta regain some traction in the competitive small-sedan segment. Its key rivals include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda 3.
The Jetta still has some catching up to do before it can compete with the best in its class. While the 2025 updates focus mainly on styling and convenience, they don’t fundamentally change the car’s driving dynamics or cabin experience. On the plus side, the Jetta continues to offer a roomy interior and strong fuel economy.
Its suspension provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling stability. However, the interior materials feel inexpensive, and the standard powertrain lacks the refinement and punch found in many of its competitors. The GLI model addresses these shortcomings with its stronger engine and the continued availability of a manual transmission for enthusiasts.
That said, it’s nice to see Volkswagen giving the Jetta some long-overdue attention. The exterior tweaks lend the sedan a more sophisticated look, with refreshed front and rear fascias that modernize its appeal.
The standard 8.0-inch infotainment display is an improvement, though it’s still smaller than the units found in rivals like the Hyundai Elantra and Kia K4. Fortunately, the interface is intuitive, responsive, and visually sharp.
Lower trims deliver solid space and features for the money, making them appealing to budget-conscious shoppers. However, the higher-end SEL trim loses some of that value advantage as prices climb. While this refresh is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t do quite enough to push the Jetta to the top of the compact sedan class.
The Jetta’s existing engine lineup carries over into 2025. Most trims are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four generating 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
The manual transmission option has been discontinued for this engine. In testing, the 2025 Jetta SEL reached 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, about 0.9 second slower than before the refresh. Fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
Enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Jetta GLI remains part of the lineup for 2025. It continues to use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Buyers can still choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Performance remains on par with the previous version, achieving a 0–60 mph time of 6.1 seconds.
12. Hyundai Elantra
Rounding out the list is the 2025 Hyundai Elantra a compact sedan that punches above its weight in comfort and tech. Its ride quality is calm and composed, with suspension tuning that minimizes harshness without feeling disconnected.
The seats are plush for long drives, and interior materials have seen a noticeable upgrade for 2025. Add in Hyundai’s generous warranty and modern features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, and the Elantra becomes one of the smartest comfort-oriented buys for budget-conscious drivers.
In a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers, these 12 sedans prove that comfort and affordability can coexist beautifully.
From the enduring dependability of Toyota and Honda to the surprising refinement from Hyundai and Kia, 2025 offers U.S. buyers a range of sedans that prioritize ride quality without inflating price tags.
Whether you’re a commuter seeking peace on daily drives or a family looking for an economical long-distance cruiser, there’s a comfortable sedan waiting to make every mile smoother all without stretching your budget.
